Chat with Signal Editor Jeff Myrick about new format

February 6, 2009

Baldwin City Signal Editor Jeff Myrick will chat about the paper's new format introduced this week.

This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.

Moderator

Welcome to today's chat with Baldwin City Signal Editor Jeff Myrick regarding the paper's new format introduced this week.

February 6, 2009at 1:11 p.m.

Jeff Myrick

I'm glad to be here and would be happy to answer any questions anyone has regarding our new look this week. I've had lots of compliments on it and people really like it. I know I do.

February 6, 2009at 1:17 p.m.

Moderator

While we wait for questions from the Signal's readers, why don't you tell us a little about the format change?

February 6, 2009at 1:25 p.m.

Jeff Myrick

We've gone to the smaller version of the newspaper for many reasons. Readership studies have shown that people like the easier to navigate paper and there are some cost savings associated with it. We also wanted to be more interactive with our readers through both the print product and the Web site. It's all about giving our readers what they want.

February 6, 2009at 1:30 p.m.

Moderator

Were there any of the features of the old Signal that didn't make it into the new version?

February 6, 2009at 1:36 p.m.

Jeff Myrick

Absolutely not. Everything that was in the Signal before is still there. What we've done in addition to that is establish new features such as "5 Questions," "Neighbors," "Point of View" and a weekly weather forecast. I've had compliments on all of them. I really feel like that accomplishes that interaction with readers that we're after. I am also encouraging everyone to submit their ideas for those features. You can call me at 594-7080 or send them to me at jmyrick@baldwincity.com. Tell me who your neighbors are that we should get to know. Tell me about those questions you've always had about Baldwin City. I want to know.

February 6, 2009at 1:45 p.m.

Moderator

Given the smaller space available, will there be less coverage of news or sports?

February 6, 2009at 1:47 p.m.

Jeff Myrick

Again, absolutely not. We will continue to cover everything we have before. It may be in a different format than people are used to, but we will not comprimise coverage. An example of that would be the city council stories I do or the school board stories Jimmy Gillispie does. In the past we might lump an entire meeting into one story, depending on what happened. What we'll do now instead is have several stories on specific items that occurred at the meeting. Readership studies have shown that people don't want long stories. Again, we're giving our readers what they want.

February 6, 2009at 1:50 p.m.

Moderator

Well, that's all the time we have for today's chat. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day to fill everyone in on the Signal's changes.

February 6, 2009at 1:52 p.m.

Jeff Myrick

I was happy to. If anyone wants to talk about the changes personally, give me a call or send me an e-mail at the above number/address. We're committed to giving our readers what they want.